NARJESS MONTASSER

Narjess was born and raised in Tunisia within the confines of a conservative political family. She followed the accepted educational route through to university, terminating in her graduating with a degree in history. However, from her earliest years, she was consumed with a passion for all things connected with oriental dance.

Throughout her childhood, this manifested itself in her participation at weddings, parties and celebrations where she could indulge in her "hidden" vocation of dancing. She grew up mesmerized by the greats such as Samia Gamal; Naima Aakef; Tahia Carioca to name but a few.

At the age of 21 she emigrated to Spain, and it was at this time that she started her career in earnest, participating in classes and festivals, in particular with Shokry Mohamed, and over the years in courses and workshops with such leadings lights as Farida Fahmy, Mahmoud Reda, Aida Nour, Raquia Hassan ....

Practicing her art in Egypt (a country with which she feels deeply connected) as well as her adopted home of Spain, Narjess travels to Egypt two to three times a year to continue to hone her dancing skills directly with the major figures in the world of oriental dance, in Cairo. Also attending whenever possible its international dance festivals (Ahlan Wasahla and Nile group).

In Cairo Narjess has had the opportunity of dancing with
the likes of Zaza Hassan, Hassan Khalil, Lubna Imam, Medhat Fahmi, Nabil Mabrouk, Momo Kaddous, Mo Geddawy, Mohamed Kazafy and so the list goes on.

Now Narjess runs her own school of oriental dance in Spain, where she regularly works with the collaboration of guest international figures such as Farida Fahmy and of course in his lifetime with her dearest friend and guiding light, Shokry Mohamed, whose unique and magical approach to the art of dance is irreplaceable and sorely missed. 

Contact Narjess at narjess66@hotmail.com